Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is the largest and one of the oldest bazaars in the middle east. The Khan El-Khalili is Cairo’s labyrinthine and most famous tourist market. This historical bazaar is one of the most things to do in Cairo. The Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is bounded on the east by Sayyidna Al-Hussein and on the south by Muski street. Khan and Muski are two terms used interchangeably by foreigners and Egyptians alike, but they are actually two different adjoining bazaar areas.
Khan means caravanserai. The original khan was built in 1382 by Barquq’s Master of Horses, the Amir (prince) Garkas El-Khalili, hence the name Khan El-Khalili. You can still see vestiges of the Mamluk structure and early additions here and there. Khan El-Khalili was closed to common people during the Fatimid period. It was made open to the public by Saladin (1174-1193) when he became a sultan and built his famous citadel nearby.
Exploring Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
Historically, Khan El-Khalili has always been a resort for foreign merchants, Armenians, Jews, Persians, and non-Egyptian Arabs. In recent years, however, its composition has changed. Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is occupied by local merchants and traders. Although less widespread than in earlier days, many craftsmen’ workshops continue to operate within the bazaar or in the surrounding districts. There is still a considerable variety of souvenirs, antiques, and jewelry offered for sale. Except for gold, which is sold by weight. No prices are fixed and bargaining is usually possible.
There are lots of restaurants and coffee shops throughout the market. The famous Fishawi’s Coffee Shop, just off Sayyidna Al-Hussein Square, when one can still have a cup of mint tea, Turkish/Arabic coffee, and shisha (water-pipe/hookah). Gaze at an incredible assortment of objects hanging from the ceiling, is sadly truncated today. If you’re interested in buying something, better to bargain, and bargain a lot.
How to get to Khan El-Khalili from Cairo?
There are several convenient ways to reach this iconic bazaar.
By Taxi
Taking a taxi is one of the most convenient ways to get to Khan El-Khalili. You can easily hail a taxi from the street. Make sure to negotiate the fare before starting the ride, or insist on using the meter. Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem for a hassle-free experience. These apps provide upfront pricing and a comfortable ride.
By Metro
Cairo’s metro system is an affordable and efficient way to travel. The closest metro station to Khan El-Khalili is Ataba Station on Line 2. From Ataba Station, it’s a short walk or a quick taxi ride to the market. Follow signs for Al-Azhar Street and walk east towards the market.
By Bus
Buses are another budget-friendly option. Several public buses pass near Khan El-Khalili. Ask locals or your hotel for the best bus number and route. Microbuses are smaller, more frequent, and usually faster due to their smaller size. They can be crowded and less comfortable, but they are very cheap.
By Foot
If you’re staying in a nearby area like Downtown Cairo or Islamic Cairo, you can reach Khan El-Khalili by foot. Head towards Al-Azhar Street and follow it east until you reach the market. Walking allows you to explore the area and enjoy the local sights and sounds.
By Private Tour
Egypt Best Vacations offers daily guided tours to Cairo wonders, and some of them include Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. Gain interesting insights about the history and significance of this historical bazaar, as well as some useful tips of how to bargain here.
Tips for Visiting Khan El-Khalili
- Best Time to Visit: The market is liveliest in the late afternoon and evening. It’s less crowded in the morning.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Dress modestly to respect local customs.
- Bargaining: Bargaining is expected. Start by offering about half of the asking price and negotiate from there.
- Safety: Keep an eye on your belongings as the market can get crowded. Be cautious of pickpockets.
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is a great market and bazaar, should be visited during your stay in Cairo. We include it in all of our Egypt travel packages, as well as in some of Cairo Day Tours.